It is a well-known fact that constant physical activity prevents the onset of illnesses and pain in general. But even so, many people suffer from low back pain. The lack of knowledge about the causes of this pain and the delay in seeking specialized care to alleviate the problem contribute to the worsening of the situation.
In this post, you will understand a little more about low back pain and learn how to prevent and treat this problem. Let’s go?
Discover the characteristics of low back pain
The spine has the function of transmitting the weight of the upper part of the body to the lower limbs, which is why the bones and intervertebral discs in this region are larger. On the other hand, this is a place more vulnerable to stretching and inflammation of adjacent structures.
Due to the factors previously mentioned, low back pain has as its main source of pain the lumbar spine and nearby structures. The period of pain can help at the time of diagnosis, so it will be divided into acute pain (lasting up to four weeks) and chronic pain (which can last from months to years).
Understand the possible causes of low back pain
Low back pain is generally caused by mechanical-degenerative injuries, that is, they are more common due to trauma and stretching of the spine during routine activities and in older people who experience natural wear and tear on the body. Other diseases, such as tumors, have a much lower incidence.
Among the most common pathologies that cause low back pain are those listed below.
Disc herniation
When a person experiences back pain, one of the first illnesses that comes to mind is a herniated disc. This pathology generally occurs between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae and/or between the 5th lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra.
The disc between these vertebrae loses some fibers that support it and the material inside it can be displaced. Depending on the direction of this displacement, some nerve may be compressed, causing a lot of pain and tingling in the lower limbs.
Inflammation of the sciatic nerve
The sciatic nerve begins in the spine and extends across the back of the lower limbs. When the nerve is pinched, the pain is usually very intense, starting in the back and radiating through the buttocks towards the thighs. In some cases, the person is unable to stand.
Osteoporosis
It is more common in women, especially those in menopause. It leaves bones weak and more susceptible to fractures. When this rupture occurs in the vertebral body, the patient feels a lot of pain at the site of the injury and bone fragments can move into the spinal canal, causing a sensation of shock.
Distension and inflammation
They are caused by repetitive efforts, poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, body movements without prior preparation and falls. They cause severe pain, can last between days and years (if not treated) and are the most common in clinics.
Discover the most common symptoms of low back pain
The symptoms most reported by patients are:
- burning in the lumbar spine region;
- moderate to severe pain;
- pain irradiation to the lower limbs;
- tingling or paralysis of the lower limbs;
- sensation of shock both in the spine and in the thighs and legs;
- “locking” of the spine, the patient is unable to move.
Learn tips for preventing this pain
Consult the professional
This tip is the most important! When you feel lower back pain, do you usually wait for it to go away? Are you looking for tips from a neighbor or friend? Search the internet for symptoms similar to yours? Careful! Lack of adequate treatment can make your illness worse.
Seek information from a qualified professional to prescribe medications or recommend treatments. Talk to the physiotherapist and he will refer you to the appropriate therapy after discovering the source of your pain. Even better, this specialist will guide you to avoid injuries and back pain in the future.
Strengthen your muscles
Practicing exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back, abdomen and lower limbs is important to protect the spine during daily movements. Pilates classes promote these benefits and increase body awareness, focusing on correct posture.
Stretch your body
Stretching every day (especially the spine) prepares the joints and muscles to perform their activities.
Maintain correct posture
During work tasks, you must pay attention to your posture , whether sitting or standing. The natural curvature of the lower back must be maintained. We recommend pilates, which is an activity that works, among other aspects, on body awareness and global muscle strengthening. This way, you prevent occupational injuries.
Maintain ideal weight
Staying within BMI limits makes you look better and also prevents diseases. Excess weight facilitates the appearance of herniated discs and inflammation of the back muscles. Eat a balanced diet and practice physical activities.
You should eat more fruits and vegetables, but if you have a little difficulty, try buying new foods every time you go to the supermarket, this way you end up changing your taste.
Start physical activity today . Starting with walking is very good, as it will help you abandon a sedentary lifestyle, and over time you may become interested in other exercises, such as weight training.
Be careful when carrying weights
The overload on the body is extremely stressful on the spine. Therefore, avoid picking up weights or carrying them for a long period of time. As we said, the best option is to consult a physiotherapist, who will tell you the correct way to lift the weight from the floor, the posture that must be maintained to carry that weight, how to remove heavy objects from high places, etc.
Believe in the treatment for low back pain
The most prevalent therapy is the use of pharmaceuticals, mostly anti-inflammatory drugs, which alleviate discomfort but do not treat the underlying cause. In certain circumstances, surgery is used to rectify the anatomy and alleviate low back discomfort. However, in addition to the danger of the treatment, the disease may recur since the body is still unprepared for regular activity.
The ideal is to look for less invasive treatments, such as hydrotherapy , which seeks to alleviate symptoms, but, at the same time, treats the source of the pain, strengthening the muscles in the lower back.